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i just logged in for the first time in a looonng time and checked this thread and there were so many posts in it from after i joined and posted this. i was moved. those who posted i'm sure forgot by now but i just wanted to say thanks everyone. i wish i had gotten notifications that folks were making new posts!

anyhow, i did some (hard) work on the truck over the fall - brakes, bilstein 5100 adjustables up front and back, new sway bar links, and a used rooftop tent on a cap. maybe i'll make a build thread soon!

I recently inherited a 2005 Tundra SR5 4x4 Access cab from my father who passed away.

It was a well used work truck with 90k miles, a brand new shiny frame rebuilt a year ago (recall from Toyota) and all of the ~90k maintenance was just done to it including belts, pumps, etc. It is a great truck! I am here to learn about them and see what people have done with them.

Thanks in advance!

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Welcome from NC and my condolences to you and your family! Beautiful looking truck you have there! Keep those memories and that truck forever!

i just logged in for the first time in a looonng time and checked this thread and there were so many posts in it from after i joined and posted this. i was moved. those who posted i'm sure forgot by now but i just wanted to say thanks everyone. i wish i had gotten notifications that folks were making new posts!

anyhow, i did some (hard) work on the truck over the fall - brakes, bilstein 5100 adjustables up front and back, new sway bar links, and a used rooftop tent on a cap. maybe i'll make a build thread soon!

thats the third notch with 265/75/16s. it's leaning forward a bit in that photo, not the best example of what it looks like lift wise. it completely changed the feel of the truck driving-wise. tighter but not harsh, solid. absolutely love em - honestly it made me fully fall in love with the truck. it was kinda boat like prior. i'm actually going to bump it up to the 5th notch for some 285/70/17's on some new rims with 4.5 backspacing, an icon AAL and some SPC control arms i got a pretty great deal on. curious how it will feel after that, since it's great as is, but i have a camper top coming down the pipeline eventually, so i'm gearing up for it!

this truck is perfect for me because i live in a city and it's been chewed up a bit as a work truck but it's low mileage and in stellar mechanical shape. i'd be paranoid if i bought something new in regards to it getting scuffed up etc. it drives amazing, is basically the same size as a new tacoma (which i was considering) and has decent room in the back while still having a functional bed i can use to throw a sheet of plywood in, lock surboardsin with a cover, etc.

and it's cool to have a project that's kind of a tribute to my father - he was a builder, surfer and outdoors guy and the process of learning how to build this out and fix up on my own and then going on some outdoor/surf adventures seems like a perfect way carry on the torch.

thats the third notch with 265/75/16s. it's leaning forward a bit in that photo, not the best example of what it looks like lift wise. it completely changed the feel of the truck driving-wise. tighter but not harsh, solid. absolutely love em - honestly it made me fully fall in love with the truck. it was kinda boat like prior. i'm actually going to bump it up to the 5th notch for some 285/70/17's on some new rims with 4.5 backspacing, an icon AAL and some SPC control arms i got a pretty great deal on. curious how it will feel after that, since it's great as is, but i have a camper top coming down the pipeline eventually, so i'm gearing up for it!

this truck is perfect for me because i live in a city and it's been chewed up a bit as a work truck but it's low mileage and in stellar mechanical shape. i'd be paranoid if i bought something new in regards to it getting scuffed up etc. it drives amazing, is basically the same size as a new tacoma (which i was considering) and has decent room in the back while still having a functional bed i can use to throw a sheet of plywood in, lock surboardsin with a cover, etc.

and it's cool to have a project that's kind of a tribute to my father - he was a builder, surfer and outdoors guy and the process of learning how to build this out and fix up on my own and then going on some outdoor/surf adventures seems like a perfect way carry on the torch.

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Yeah, it is nice that you are continuing to do what your father loved because that is the goal of fathers in my opinion. They spark their interest into their children to continue what they love. It is up to you to decide what you want to do, but it is just nice to keep him in memory. That truck will probably last for your children too honestly. Im glad you like'em. Sounds like great plans for the future, this site create a big money pit haha. Do you know how much front lift you got out of the 3rd notch? Bilstein claims about 1.05" of average lift but seems higher to me...around 1.5"?

I actually got about 1.5 on that notch. And the back absolutely got higher by about an inch, which I completely don't understand and people will adamantly argue is impossible, but the numbers were there.

Buy yeah, the money pit... For sure. I'm good after these upgrades though honestly. I helped put in a BU camera and a nice stereo in before it became mine. Does all the things I need it to do. I just want a truck that's a good daily driver and can take me cool places to do cool things - nothing too fancy or aggressive. It's been a fun project!

I actually got about 1.5 on that notch. And the back absolutely got higher by about an inch, which I completely don't understand and people will adamantly argue is impossible, but the numbers were there.

Buy yeah, the money pit... For sure. I'm good after these upgrades though honestly. I helped put in a BU camera and a nice stereo in before it became mine. Does all the things I need it to do. I just want a truck that's a good daily driver and can take me cool places to do cool things - nothing too fancy or aggressive. It's been a fun project!

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You and me are in the same boat about that. Im going to stick with an agressive 265/75r16 right now because of funds and gas haha. Maybe 285s later in life after college. Thanks for all the responses and i know you will keep that truck nice. It's not just a truck anymore, its more than that. Keep us updated☺

Im going to stick with an agressive 265/75r16 right now because of funds and gas haha. Maybe 285s later in life after college.

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i think thats a solid idea - i will say the 265/75/16's cooper discoverers that were on it rode amazing. and with the third notch they looked great - not too small. if they were more aggressive looking / newer i might have stayed with them!

i think thats a solid idea - i will say the 265/75/16's cooper discoverers that were on it rode amazing. and with the third notch they looked great - not too small. if they were more aggressive looking / newer i might have stayed with them!

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Thats what I have come to figure. At first I really wanted the 285s because why not, but then I started reading threads and decided that the spacer lift I was going to purchase was a no go for my style of driving. Then I started making a list of all I would have to buy and replace to get the truck's suspension to handle that height and everything...Yeah that was my biggest thing. Then I asked my self, did I really need the 285s? I concluded no, they were only aesthetics for me haha So I decide to build my truck for my needs not wants. I may not look the coolest, but I will be proud because its mine. If I were to every go higher than 2" in front in the far future, I would probably just buy an actual lift kit (4-6 inches).
Im excited for your build, post up some pics once you get those 285s on.

Thats what I have come to figure. At first I really wanted the 285s because why not, but then I started reading threads and decided that the spacer lift I was going to purchase was a no go for my style of driving. Then I started making a list of all I would have to buy and replace to get the truck's suspension to handle that height and everything...Yeah that was my biggest thing. Then I asked my self, did I really need the 285s? I concluded no, they were only aesthetics for me haha So I decide to build my truck for my needs not wants. I may not look the coolest, but I will be proud because its mine. If I were to every go higher than 2" in front in the far future, I would probably just buy an actual lift kit (4-6 inches).
Im excited for your build, post up some pics once you get those 285s on.

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100% - i found some great pics of slightly lifted rigs with that size tire in a KO2 or grappler and they were great looking. i only went this route cause i got the truck for free and figured why not put a little money into it, make it a project and make it something a lil special. also i wanted KO2s in load range C and there were limited options in that. truthfully i'm nervous it won't ride as great as it did, but i can always go back. for a $ loss obviously. but forcing myself to learn how to replace struts / coils, sway bar links, control arms etc. is kinda part of the point, and as such, worth it to me.